Students noncompliant with campus COVID-19 testing requirements will be locked out of more than 400 online university resources starting at 4 a.m. tomorrow, President Jeffrey Armstrong said in a campus-wide email. Students accessing campus and the students who live with those who do are mandated to test every three days through Cal Poly’s Ongoing Testing […]
Author Archives: Catherine Allen
Posted inNews
Sexual assault crimes soared in 2019. Some say Cal Poly Police aren’t equipped to respond.
Content warning: This article discusses multiple forms of trauma, including gender and power-based violence. Survivors of such violence can access virtual confidential services through Cal Poly Safer’s website. The name of the sexual assault survivor in this story has been changed in order to protect her full identity. “Why were you alone with him?” the […]
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Studying in the dark: Cal Poly student faces power shutoffs, extreme cold in Texas
When architecture sophomore Diana Fierro Gonzalez and her family first got an email that Texas was going to experience some cold weather, she said wasn’t worried. Cold snaps are common for a Texas winter. When the power shut off for supposed rolling power blackouts, she still wasn’t worried. But then, the power didn’t come back for almost a week.
Posted inNews
Protest that ended in tear gas ‘felt like war.’ Now residents demand police reform
After reviewing the San Luis Obispo Police report explaining their use of tear gas against the June 1 Black Lives Matter protestors, independent consultant James Bueermann — who has 43 years of experience with policing — said any other police department in that situation would have used the same tactics. “I mean … that’s what […]
Posted inTop Stories
Cal Poly hosts fifth annual teach-in, keynote speaker Andrew Jolivétte to talk Black and Indigenous lives
Scholar, author and professor Andrew Jolivétte (Atakapa-Ishak Nation of Louisiana [Tsikip/Opelousa/Heron Clan]) will be the keynote speaker at Cal Poly’s College of Liberal Arts Fifth Annual Social Justice Teach-In, which will be held via Zoom on Feb. 11. His presentation, “Black Lives, Indigenous Lives: From Mattering to Thriving,” will take place from 4 to 5:30 p.m.
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City approves Mitchell Park development after hearing concerns from residents
The San Luis Obispo City Council received an overwhelming wave of community concerns for the installation of pickleball courts at Mitchell Park, though ultimately deciding to still move forward with the development.
Posted incovid-19, News, Top Stories
False positive students in isolation say it was a “jarring experience”
On Jan. 23, environmental management and protection sophomore Tess McIntyre was convinced her positive COVID-19 test result was a mistake. “It was really stressful when my results first came back,” McIntyre said. “I had no idea where I could have gotten it, and I was very surprised.” McIntyre was asymptomatic and her roommates and friends […]
Posted inCity, covid-19, News, Top Stories
Batch of Moderna vaccines cleared for use after state investigates allergic reactions
Two weeks ago, San Luis Obispo County put 4,400 COVID-19 Moderna vaccines on hold while the state investigated potential allergic reactions caused by that batch. The investigation concluded that the vaccines are safe, so the county now is administering those vaccines. After about 10 individuals in the state experienced adverse reactions from one particular lot […]
Posted inCampus Climate, covid-19, News, Top Stories
Students, staff see gaps in LGBTQ+ care due to pandemic
At the beginning of the 2019-20 academic year, the University Health Center began providing comprehensive LGBTQ+ medical and mental health services that are critical for some students. One such student was Cal Poly alumn Autumn Ford, who at the time, emphasized the importance of having a safe space for students to access care — without having to worry about it being “taken away” from them.
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“A place to call home”: City approves 12 initiatives for diversity, equity and inclusion
At a San Luis Obispo City Council meeting on Jan. 12, public commenter Marshall James recalled Martin Luther King Jr.’s words that a beloved community is where dignity, respect and equal opportunity are provided. When the city’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Task Force leaders urged the council to accept 12 recommendations, James said, “I’m […]
Posted inAdministration, covid-19, News, Top Stories
Some students are now exempt from bi-weekly COVID-19 testing
Students can qualify to be exempt from COVID-19 testing requirements for Winter and Spring quarters, according to a Presidential Order amendment made by President Jeffrey Armstrong on Dec. 31. Beginning on Jan. 4, students accessing campus services in any way, such as housing, in-person classes or work — and anyone living with a student who […]